20-minute Taco Mac and Cheese

This 20-minute Taco Mac and Cheese is one of our go-to weeknight dinner recipes. With a homemade cheese sauce and combines all the flavors of tacos with the comfort and mac and cheese.

There are some dinners that you know from the very first bite are going to become a regular on repeat in your home. For me, this Taco Mac and Cheese is one of those meals. It combines two of the most beloved comfort foods, classic mac and cheese and taco night – into one skillet dinner that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

If you’ve been here awhile, you know that I love recipes that are cozy, family-friendly, and made with ingredients you actually have on hand. This recipe checks all of those boxes and more. It’s one of those dinners that makes everyone happy – kids, adults, picky eaters, and anyone who just loves good food. And honestly, what’s not to love? You’ve got seasoned taco meat, creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and even some veggies sneaked in with the bell pepper.

Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes, and you only need one skillet for the taco meat and cheese sauce (plus your pasta pot). That means fewer dishes, which in my house is always a win.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Mac and Cheese

• Family-friendly – A mashup of two kid-approved dinners that adults love too.

• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Balanced – Protein from the beef and cottage cheese, carbs from the pasta, veggies from the bell pepper, and all the cozy cheesy goodness.

• Customizable – Easily swap in different proteins, veggies, or spice levels to make it your own.

• Leftover-friendly – Tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

This recipe is one of those “sneaky” healthy comfort foods too. Using cottage cheese in the sauce adds creaminess and protein without needing tons of heavy cream. It’s blended until completely smooth, so no one will even know it’s there – especially kids.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make my Taco Mac and Cheese:

Taco Meat

• Small-shaped pasta – Elbow macaroni works perfectly, but you can use shells, penne, or gluten-free pasta.

• Ground beef – I like using 85/15 for the best flavor. You can also sub ground chicken or turkey.

• Taco seasoning – See below for my easy homemade seasoning.

• Red bell pepper – Adds sweetness and extra nutrition.

Cheese Sauce

• Cottage cheese – Blended until smooth for creaminess and protein.

• Chunky mild salsa – Adds flavor, texture, and a little tang.

• Milk – Any milk works (dairy or non-dairy).

• Shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully.

• Gluten-free flour (or regular flour) – Helps thicken the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve just a splash of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. You want it fully cooked through but still tender.

Step 3: Add the taco seasoning

While the meat cooks, stir together all the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl with a splash of water to form a paste. Once the beef is browned, add this seasoning mixture to the skillet and stir to coat. Toss in the chopped bell pepper and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors really come together.

Step 4: Make the cheese sauce

Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Add in the salsa, milk, and flour, and pulse until fully combined. 

Step 5: Combine everything

Pour the cottage cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and peppers. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 6: Add the pasta

Finally, stir in your cooked pasta until every piece is coated in the cheesy taco mixture. Adjust the consistency with a little pasta water if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Top with chopped fresh cilantro, maybe an extra sprinkle of cheese, and dig in!

Tips and Tricks

• Make it spicier – Use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne to the taco seasoning.

• Use ground turkey or chicken – A leaner protein option that still tastes great.

• Add more veggies – Corn, black beans, or zucchini would be delicious here.

• Make it ahead – This reheats well, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.

• Gluten-free – Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and flour.

Serving Suggestions

This Taco Mac and Cheese can absolutely stand alone as a full meal, but if you want to round it out even more, here are some fun ways to serve it:

• With a big green salad on the side for freshness.

• Topped with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

• Scooped into bowls and garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, or even pickled jalapeños.

• As a potluck dish – trust me, people will ask for the recipe.

Why Cottage Cheese Works So Well

I know cottage cheese in mac and cheese might sound a little unusual, but hear me out. Once blended, cottage cheese becomes silky smooth and makes the most luscious base for sauces. It’s lighter than heavy cream but still adds that creamy texture we want. Plus, it’s packed with protein, which makes this dinner more filling and balanced.

If you’ve got kids who are cottage cheese skeptics, they won’t even know it’s in here. It completely disappears once blended and mixed with salsa and cheddar.

Storage and Reheating

This dish keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

You can also freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative, dairy-free cheddar shreds, and your favorite non-dairy milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Absolutely. I love making my own because it’s easy and avoids extra additives, but a packet works in a pinch.

What pasta shape works best?
Small shapes like elbows, shells, or rotini are ideal because they hold onto the sauce.

Is this spicy?
Not really – using mild salsa keeps it family-friendly. If you like spice, just use medium or hot salsa and add a pinch of cayenne.

This Taco Mac and Cheese is everything I want in a weeknight dinner: quick, comforting, packed with flavor, and loved by everyone at the table. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel a little special without requiring tons of effort.

Whether you’re making it for your family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, I know you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. It’s the ultimate mash-up meal that proves sometimes the best dishes come from combining two classics into one.

So grab that pasta, brown up some taco meat, and get ready for a cheesy, hearty dinner that will win over even the pickiest eaters.

A Few Other Taco-inspired Recipes:

Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos! (gluten-free)

Philly Cheesesteak Smash Tacos

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (gluten-free)

EPIC Pizza Smash Burger Tacos